Driver Dies in Fiery Tractor Trailer Crash on I-81

Driver Dies in Fiery Tractor Trailer Crash on I-81

The single-vehicle crash happened at 4:52 a.m. Tuesday along I-81 northbound. The tractor trailer veered off the roadway before striking a cement storm drain, and bursting into flames.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. - A tractor trailer accident along Interstate-81 Tuesday morning has claimed the life of one person, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

The driver has been identified by state police as Steven Lee Winfrey, 51, of Roanoke, Virginia.

The single-vehicle crash happened at 4:52 a.m. along I-81 northbound. Troopers said Winfrey was traveling along the interstate when his vehicle, that was carrying uncooked dough, slid off the road near Exit 12 in Marion.

State police said Winfrey radioed to another driver, who was driving behind him, that he wasn't feeling well. Moments later, the other driver witnessed the accident, observing the tractor trailer veering off the roadway traveling a couple hundred yards alongside the interstate in the grassy shoulder before striking a cement storm drain, and bursting into flames.

The other tractor trailer driver did stop to render aid but due to the intense fire, there was nothing he could do, said Trooper Robert Hicks. No other vehicles or persons were involved in the crash.

Winfrey was pronounced dead on scene. State police said the Coroners Office cannot do an autopsy at this time because of the body's condition.

Both lanes of I-81 northbound were shut down earlier Tuesday, and at 7 a.m. one lane opened up. Clean up lasted another couple of hours.

According to state police, traffic was heavily backed up in the northbound lanes, as well as Rt. 11, Tuesday.

The incident remains under investigation.

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